Maharashtra Appoints Ujjwal Nikam to Lead Ketan Agarwal Murder Trial

The appointment follows a direct meeting between the victim’s father, Vishal Agarwal, and Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. While the investigation initially treated the death as accidental, a Special Investigation Team is now pursuing murder charges. Nikam, a seasoned lawyer known for handling complex criminal trials, identified the case as a significant test for the state’s judicial efficacy. Court proceedings are scheduled to begin on June 29.

Legal counsel for the accused, Siya Goyal, maintains that her client is cooperating fully with authorities, pointing to a lack of independent eyewitnesses as a central pillar of the defense. The case has transcended local interest, drawing national scrutiny and commentary from public figures including actor-politician Kangana Ranaut, who has criticized the societal climate surrounding the tragedy.